Description

Caol Ila 2015 Aged 9 Years Single Malt Scotch Whisky – 100 Proof Edition #42 By Signatory Vintage (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 57.1%           Age: 9 Years Old           Country: Scotland

Cask Number(s): Edition #42
Date of Distilling: NA
Date of Bottling: 2025
Matured In: 1st & 2nd Fill Oloroso Sherry Butts
Non-chill filtered

The Whisky

This thrilling bottling from Signatory Vintage’s 100 Proof Collection (Edition #42) combines the elegant smoke of Caol Ila Distillery with rich sherry maturation. Distilled in 2015 and aged for 9 years, this malt was matured in a combination of First and Second Fill Oloroso ex-Sherry Butts. This dual cask strategy provides a balanced profile: the First Fill adds intense dried fruit and spice, while the Second Fill ensures the delicate, citrusy, maritime peat smoke of Caol Ila remains prominent. Bottled at the traditional 100 Proof (57.1% alc/vol), it is non-chill filtered and naturally coloured, delivering a perfect marriage of smoke and sherry.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Immediately assertive peat smoke and sea spray, quickly layered with sweet notes of sultanas, salted chocolate, and rich toffee derived from the Oloroso casks.

Palate: Medium full body. The crisp, lemon tinged smoke of Caol Ila is present from the start, woven with black forest cake, baking spices, and a hint of salinity. The 57.1% ABV ensures a wonderful warmth and intensity.

Finish: Long, complex, and warming. The finish delivers a satisfying balance of sweet, rich sherry fruit that gradually fades, leaving clean, ashy smoke and sea salt.

The Independent Bottler

Signatory Vintage is one of Scotland’s most respected independent bottlers, celebrated for its unwavering commitment to quality and transparency. Established in 1988 by brothers Andrew and Brian Symington, Signatory Vintage quickly carved a niche by offering single cask, un-chillfiltered, and natural colour whiskies – practices that were far less common at the time but are now widely revered by connoisseurs. Their name, “Signatory,” stems from their original intention to have famous personalities sign the labels of their special bottlings, a unique concept that unfortunately proved impractical but left a lasting legacy in their brand name. Over the decades, Signatory Vintage has amassed an astonishing collection of casks from distilleries across Scotland, including many silent stills. This extensive inventory allows them to release an incredibly diverse range of whiskies, from youthful and vibrant expressions to incredibly rare and aged treasures. Each bottle is a testament to the individual character of the distillery and the unique journey of the liquid within its cask.

The Distillery

The Caol Ila Distillery, The name Caol Ila comes from the Gaelic ‘Caol Ila’ meaning ‘Sound of Islay’ which is the stretch of water which separates Islay from Jura. The distillery was founded in 1846 and has been very successful through its long history. The distillery draws water from the nearby loch which is surrounded by myrtle and heather. As did most distilleries it closed during the Great Depression from 1930 to 1937 and was reconstructed from 1972 to 1974. Juggling between old traditional methods and modern methods of using new technology. This distillery produces whiskies that have chocolate, citrus and floral notes as well as tangy and peaty, which is typical of an Islay whisky.